Why Arsenal desperately want to sign Bruno Guimaraes

The season has just ended, but Arsenal are already active in the transfer market, seeking reinforcements after narrowly missing out on the title to Manchester City by just two points.

The Gunners have been the main challengers to City in the last two seasons but have fallen short in their quest to dethrone Pep Guardiola’s team.

Following this near miss, Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar are determined to add players who can enhance the squad's quality. Arteta and the players are resolved to go one better next season. The Spaniard has revitalised the club's hunger and drive, a sentiment that has spread to the fanbase. Despite the disappointment of missing out on the title, even after beating Everton on the final day, Arteta made it clear that the club and the supporters should not rest until they are champions again.

"They (City) took it away from us. It's the second season. There's only one way to do it—you have to be more determined, more ambitious, and push every limit in everything we do. That's the next step," Arteta stated. "If we do what we have to do, we'll get closer, and eventually, we'll win it. When? I don't know, but if we keep knocking and being that close, it will happen."

Arteta added: "Don't be satisfied. We want much more than this, and we're going to get it."

To reach that next level, some fine-tuning of the squad is required this summer. Co-chairman Josh Kroenke has indicated that there will be further investment in the playing staff now that the season is over. "I want to be clear that no one at the club will stand still. However things finish today, we’re all working behind the scenes to move us forward—always forward," he stated before Arsenal's final game.

Why Arsenal desperately want to sign Bruno Guimaraes

In line with this ambition, Arsenal have reportedly had positive conversations with the camp of Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes regarding a summer move.

Arsenal are not the only club interested in the Brazilian star. Champions Manchester City are also considering a summer move for Guimaraes, setting up a potential transfer battle between the two title-chasers for the second consecutive year. Last summer, the two clubs competed for Declan Rice, with Arsenal ultimately securing the former West Ham captain's signature.

Guimaraes reportedly has a hefty £100m buy-out clause in his contract, which runs until 2028. However, recent reports indicate this clause can only be triggered during a specific period in the summer.

It's easy to see why Arteta is so enamoured with the Brazilian. Guimaraes is one of the most effective midfield creators in the world, with only eight players registering more progressive passes than him in Europe's top five leagues this season. He excels at carrying the ball from deep positions and is highly underrated defensively, consistently battling for tackles and interceptions since moving to England in January 2022.

Guimaraes could either play in the position where Rice finished the season, allowing Rice to return to a single pivot role, or take on the deepest midfield role himself. This injection of ball progression would complement main creator Martin Ødegaard perfectly and likely add more balance to the midfield as a whole.

Having proved himself capable of handling the Premier League's physicality, signing Guimaraes would be a safer bet for Arsenal compared to some of the other midfielders they have been tentatively linked with. His Champions League experience and durability, having scarcely missed a game over the past couple of seasons, make him an even better fit for the Gunners.

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